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John Barnes, Hartpury director of rugby, said: “My opinion is that, along with Bristol, Bedford are the best attacking side in the league and they obviously work very hard on that side of their game.

“They have got a very good 9-10-12. There is plenty of experience and flair with Lee Dickson at nine, [Will] Hooley or [Harry] Shepherd at 10 and [Michael] Le Bourgeois at 12.

“It’s certainly one of the best combinations in the Championship so we know what is going to come at us.

“They’ve scored a lot of points this year, they know the pitch – with its slope – very well, and they’re a well-supported club so, yes, Friday night will be tough – but that’s the league we’re happy to be in.”